•JOYCE JEAN KOVACH

Joyce J. (Gwozdz) Kovach, 86, of Rossford, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the Toledo Hospital, surrounded by her family. Joyce was born in Rossford, on July 4, 1936, to Valerian and Helen (Knurek) Gwozdz. She remained a life-long resident of this small town, a community which she truly cherished.

Joyce and her high-school sweetheart, Eugene (Gene), were married on April 21, 1956 and spent 36 years together before his passing in 1992. Joyce proved to be an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother, as she brought two sons and three grandchildren into the world. She was a true caregiver in all walks of her life. Everyone who knew Joyce felt her big heart and giving nature. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she genuinely was. Joyce knew no stranger and inspired all who were blessed to know her.

Joyce was a faithful member of All Saints Catholic Church and showed Christ through her character. She enjoyed creating connections with others, working her crossword puzzles, playing scrabble, feeding the wildlife in her yard and spending time with her bunco ladies, who were friends from childhood. Joyce also loved participating in any and all of her grandchildrens’ activities and life events. Most recently, she was honored to be known as the neighborhood matriarch, where her candy bowl was never without for all to visit.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene Kovach Jr.; son, Rick Kovach; brother, Dennis Gwozdz; sister-inlaw, Bonnie Gwozdz, and brother-in-law, Joseph Kovach. She is survived by her son, Gary (Trudy) Kovach; granddaughters, Stephanie (Greg Woodworth) Kovach and Erika (Kyle) Hendrickson; grandson, Matthew (Ari Cohen) Kovach; great-grandson, Carson Woodworth; brothers, Richard Gwozdz and Kenneth Gwozdz Sr., and sister-in-law, Jean Gwozdz. She also is survived by many dear family members and friends, who will all miss her deeply. Through her, we all know a greater love.

Friends and family were received at Sujkowski-Walker Funeral Home, 830 Lime City Road, Rossford, on Tuesday, October 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. Visitation continued Wednesday, October 5, at All Saints Catholic Church, 628 Lime City Road, Rossford, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial followed at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Joyce’s name may be made to All Saints Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be left at walkerfuneralhomes.com